Product description

A New York Times bestsellerFor millions of people, travel by air is a confounding, uncomfortable, and even fearful experience. Patrick Smith, airline pilot and author of the web's popular Ask the Pilot feature, separates the fact from fallacy and tells you everything you need to know...-How planes fly, and a revealing look at the men and women who fly them-Straight talk on turbulence, pilot training, and safety-The real story on congestion, delays, and the dysfunction of the modern airport-The myths and misconceptions of cabin air and cockpit automation-Terrorism in perspective, and a provocative look at security-Airfares, seating woes, and the pitfalls of airline customer service-The colors and cultures of the airlines we love to hateCockpit Confidential covers not only the nuts and bolts of flying, but also the grand theater of air travel, from airport architecture to inflight service to the excitement of travel abroad. It's a thoughtful, funny, at times deeply personal look into the strange and misunderstood world of commercial flying.It's the ideal book for frequent flyers, nervous passengers, and global travelers.Refreshed and vastly expanded from the original Ask the Pilot, with approximately 75 percent new material.

Customer reviews

This is my favourite book of 2013. Yes I am very interested in travelling and aircraft, but this is more than just a book full of information and telling us how planes fly. The author recounts some interesting and funny stories from his long career to date as a pilot. It's funny to think that security agents even take objects off pilots and not just us normal passengers. And who would have thought a pilot would be carrying pot noodles in those fancy briefcases! He holds no punches giving his opinion on certain matters that iritate him just like the the rest of us. Do yourself a favour and pick up a copy of this enjoyable read.

For those of us who travel often, either for business or pleasure, and have always been fascinated by the art of air travel and how a plane works (without being overloaded with engineering jargon) and general questions that arise, or ones we've probably never even thought to ask. Patrick, a long time pilot gives you an insight into this world.
From what goes on in the cockpit during turbulence to airport dining and everything in between!
His sometimes humorous prospective makes this a light read, it is a must read if you're curious about commercial planes, travelling, or the workings of an airport.

Review quote

"Patrick Smith manages to demystify the experience and remind us of the magic of aviation. Also he has a great sense of humor which is critical when you are wedged into seat 14D on a regional jet" - Chris Bohjalian, author of The Night Strangers and The Double Bind"